"Deal."

The Moon Lord asked softly, "Your Excellency Luciel, what do you think of the Moon Lake Tribe?"

"The Moon Lake Tribe is fine. Plenty of people, good land," Luciel replied casually, listing a few surface-level advantages.

"Really? I want the truth, not polite words." The Moon Lord straightened her back, her snowy-white bow resting at her side.

"The truth? Are you sure?" Luciel's smile faded.

"Of course. You may speak freely." Her aqua-blue eyes shone with earnestness.

"In my opinion, the Moon Lake Tribe will perish sooner or later—and that time isn't far off."

Luciel's words landed like thunder.

"Luciel, what nonsense is that?!" Yue Feiyan burst out, her red eyes blazing. How could he claim her home was doomed?

"Feiyan, don't interrupt His Excellency." The Moon Lord's voice rose slightly, silencing her daughter.

"…Oh." Yue Feiyan bit her lip and shrank back, her eyes glistening with grievance.

"Forgive her, Mr. Luciel. Please continue." The Moon Lord inclined her head apologetically, then lifted her gaze again, firm and resolute. "Please speak openly. I want to hear what no one else dares to tell me."

"Since you insist, I won't hold back."

When Luciel grew serious, his frankness could be terrifying.

"Please," the Moon Lord urged, her eyes gleaming with resolve.

"First of all," Luciel began, "the Moon Lake Tribe survives because of one person. That's unsustainable. If that one person disappears, the tribe is finished."

He folded his arms. "You already know this. Tonight proved it."

He glanced at the red-haired girl and smirked. "Tonight, Yue Feiyan put it well—some people are nothing more than parasites."

"Hmph! That's true." Feiyan lifted her chin proudly.

"Think about it. When you were injured and collapsed, instead of finding their own way, the tribe only clung to you—waiting for you to recover so they could continue draining your strength for survival."

Luciel's black eyes flashed sharply. "That's a disease. If nothing changes, you'll die soon."

"Die? How could that be?" Yue Feiyan froze, her pride crumbling into fear.

"Don't look at me—ask your mother. She knows best." Luciel raised a finger, pointing at the elegant woman on the bed.

"Mother… is what he says true?" Feiyan's red eyes trembled.

"It's not that serious… but yes, I am exhausted." The Moon Lord narrowed her aqua eyes and forced a smile. "I won't die so easily."

"I don't believe you. You've fainted before—and each time it's worse!" Feiyan's face turned pale, her body trembling.

"Don't worry. A few days of rest, and I'll recover." The Moon Lord's voice brimmed with confidence, though her eyes betrayed quiet bitterness.

"Hmph. I'll be watching you," Feiyan muttered hoarsely. "You're staying in bed, no excuses."

"Yes, yes, I'll listen to you." The Moon Lord smiled helplessly.

Then she turned back to Luciel, her gaze softening, her voice weak but steady.

"Your Excellency Luciel… how should I reform the tribe?"

"I don't have a perfect answer," Luciel admitted. "I don't know enough about your environment to create a complete plan."

"Just give me your suggestions," the Moon Lord said quietly.

Luciel studied her weary expression, then spoke with brisk precision:

"First, stop supporting idlers. At least have them do simple work.

Second, identify what your tribe uniquely produces or can trade.

Third, send caravans to establish trade routes. Don't isolate yourselves and rely only on water.

Fourth, find a new water source.

And lastly—reform your leadership structure. Too many people interfere with water distribution."

His words flowed like a stream, leaving everyone stunned.

"This… is just a little suggestion?" the Moon Lord murmured. Half of what he'd said had never even crossed her mind.

Doubt gnawed at her heart.

Maybe I was wrong to take this role. Maybe I was never suited to lead. The tribe deserves someone more capable.

"These are only my thoughts," Luciel added more gently. "You don't have to follow them all. Every leader has their own way of ruling. Forcing yourself into someone else's mold won't work."

"No—you're right," the Moon Lord said softly.

She exhaled, her tone calm and sure. "Even if we adopt only part of your advice, the Moon Lake Tribe will be much better off."

"Don't rush," Luciel warned. "Too much change at once will backfire. Your elders might see you as nothing more than a 'lucky water-bearer' and strip you of power."

"I'm not a fool," she said playfully, rolling her eyes—a gesture so natural it made Luciel's lips twitch.

Then her expression turned solemn again. "Your Excellency Luciel, about the deal I mentioned earlier—I'd like to discuss it now."

"Go ahead."

She met his eyes, smiling elegantly despite her fatigue. "Would you stay here… and become the next Moon Lord of the Moon Lake Tribe?"

"…Huh?"

Yue Feiyan, Liyue, and Mino all gasped, their eyes wide.

"Don't joke with me." Luciel froze, then waved a hand with a bitter smile.

"I'm not joking." The Moon Lord's lips curved faintly, but her smile was weary, her body trembling with exhaustion. "I'm too tired. Someone must take this burden."

"I refuse." Luciel's answer was immediate. He wouldn't shoulder an entire tribe.

He knew himself well—he wasn't that noble. He might lend a hand when convenient, but to tie himself down as a permanent water-supplier? Never. He'd rather wander alone.

"…I see." The Moon Lord lowered her gaze. She had expected his rejection, but disappointment still stung.

From the moment she'd learned Luciel was a Water Awakener, she had considered handing her position to him. All her teasing, her tests—they were to gauge his worth. Tonight, she simply ran out of time to delay.

"Really won't reconsider?" she asked softly.

Before he could answer, she added slyly, "If you accepted, my foolish daughter would become the wife of the next Moon Lord."

"Mother! Again?!" Yue Feiyan covered her flushed face, mortified.

"No need," Luciel said firmly. He saw the Moon Lord's sincerity, but he had no reason to stay. His home was the rock tortoise, not a crumbling tribe.

"…Fine. Think about it if you ever wish." She sighed, her exhaustion finally surfacing.

"Then we'll take our leave," Luciel said, turning toward the door.

Liyue and Mino followed close behind.

"Feiyan, bring Luciel the beast spars," the Moon Lord murmured weakly. Her eyelids drooped as pain and sleep overtook her.

Within moments, she was fast asleep—soft snores escaping her lips as her brows trembled faintly.

"Alright," Feiyan whispered.

She gently covered her mother with a quilt before stepping out.

In the hall, she smiled apologetically. "Sorry. My mother can be… willful sometimes."

"It's fine. She's… amusing," Luciel replied, holding back the word charming out of respect.

"She's wicked," Feiyan muttered, pouting. "Wait here, I'll get the beast spars."

After she left, the three remaining exchanged glances.

"Wicked?" Liyue tilted her head.

"Aunt has a bit of a dark streak," Mino said thoughtfully.

"She's black-bellied," Luciel concluded simply.

Moments later, Feiyan returned with a bulging bag.

"Here—one hundred mid-grade beast spars, and a little extra," she said boldly.

"Thanks." Luciel accepted it. "We'll head back to the inn."

"I have a spare room here. Would you like to stay?" Feiyan asked hopefully, her red eyes shining.

"No. We'd just be troubling you more." Luciel smiled faintly but firmly.

"…Alright." Her eyes dimmed with sadness. She had only just begun to see them as true friends.

"Tomorrow, you can come to us," Luciel said gently.

Feiyan brightened instantly. "Then it's settled! I'll also bring news about the man in your portrait."

"Good." Luciel gave her a thumbs-up.

At the door, he paused. Without turning back, he left her one final message:

"If your mother wakes up, tell her this—if she can't hold on anymore, it's okay to be selfish. She should live for herself."

Feiyan froze at the doorway, his words echoing in her heart.

Selfish… and live for herself? Can't hold on? Why not? Wouldn't it be fine forever?

She stood dazed, watching their silhouettes vanish into the night, an urge rising to call out to them.

"…Forget it. I'll ask again tomorrow."

She yawned, rubbing her sleepy eyes, then returned to her mother's room and settled beside the bed—ready to help the moment she woke.

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